Daily Treasure

“He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:11).

In the process of getting ready to move, I donated a lot of my “stuff” to charity. I had to come to a point where I asked myself, “How much is enough?” What am I storing up all my things for? I don’t have any regret about letting go and allowing myself to share with the less fortunate. I do regret it took my packing to move to make me see I didn’t really need all my “stuff.”

Whether it is packing to move or trying to simplify our lives through getting organized, we will realize we have more than we really need. We live in a land of plenty. However, that land is filled with needy people. We need to find a way to set limits for what we have and be willing to share with those less fortunate. Before you decide to toss any of your “stuff” away, think about giving it away.

PRAY TOGETHER: Encourage those WAC members who’ve become discouraged. Pray they will want to come back.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:25).

After prayerful consideration and wanting to live closer to my son and family, I decided to move from my rental house into an apartment early in 2007. You never know how much “stuff” you accumulate until you decide to move. I had to begin the pick, pack, or pitch regiment. After many years of living in one place, trying to detach yourself from “stuff” wasn’t as easy as I had thought. Then I had to narrow it down to what to keep and what would need to be given or tossed away. I even had to laugh and ask myself why I kept some of things I had stuffed into boxes through the years.

From a spiritual perspective, our lives would be less stressful if we could “de-clutter” the “junk” from them. Within it we find obstacles that can deter contentment. Negative attitudes, bad habits we still are trying to overcome, the lack of time we spend in prayer and Bible study may be making our lives more difficult. We need to “move” these out and think of words like prioritize, minimize, and organize. The latter can help “de-stress” your life. If you really want to enjoy the experience of a contented life, you may need to simplify it.

“…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11b).

Our verse today was penned by the apostle Paul who survived beatings, shipwreck, and a “thorn in the flesh.” What a testimony! We may never face all he faced, but we can learn from our experiences how to be content.

We live in a materialistic world that believes wealth and possessions bring true contentment. However, these are temporal things. Only Christ can offer the kind of contentment all the money in the world can’t buy. It is something that is not for sale. It is not dependent on what we have in this life or what we can do to attain it. True contentment is the peace and joy we find in a daily walk with God. We could live in a run-down shack and not have a dime to our name but we could still be content. God provides what we need and helps us through good, as well as, tough times. Wherever we are or go, God is with us! It is when we never seem to be satisfied with our life, we can make choices that may affect the contentment God wants for us.

Practice each day to be content with your life. Thank God for what you do have and for being able to lay down at night in peace with a satisfied mind. Share with others the secret to true contentment.

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34).

We are given one day at a time. We can’t relive yesterday and we can’t live tomorrow, today. We can accept this and live each day one at a time. We are to live in the present. There’s enough to deal with in one day, alone. We need to take this day God has so graciously given us and live it to the best of our ability—trusting Him to supply our every need, praying He will lead us and guide us to witness for Him and be a blessing to others. We can ask in prayer each morning for His direction and help in situations we will face that day. Be sure He will do just that, if we are sincere and are walking in His will.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray especially for pastors, deacons and local church leaders.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Our first and main priority is to do God’s will. We are to put Him first in our lives, no matter what. If we do that, He will always be there for us. He will never leave us; He’ll be with us unto the end. I have found in my life, many times the Lord has provided when the way seemed almost impossible. Have you ever had what seemed like a million things to do in a small amount of time? I have. You may have to work. Then, there are family obligations and needs, plus the annual church Homecoming is going on that week. How could you possibly get it all done? Pray and ask for God’s help and strength. Begin doing the things you need to do, and know God will be there with you, helping you accomplish your responsibilities. Glory to His name, He’s done it many times for me.

PRAY TOGETHER: As we thank God for His blessings, pray to be a blessing to someone today.

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27).

I am a major worrier. It seems as if I can find something to worry about even when there isn’t anything to worry about at that particular time. The more I study the subject of worry; I can see that it isn’t pleasing to God. It shows a lack of faith and trust. God knows what He is doing. We can pray and ask God to take care of the need or problem. Then, we need to trust Him with it. He has control. If something does happen, we know there is a reason. My prayer is “Dear God, You know the reason for my worry and concern. My hands are too small and I can do nothing in myself about this situation. I trust you to take care of it. In Jesus’ blessed name I pray.” Amen.

PRAY TOGETHER: Take a few minutes today just to thank God for the blessings He gives us each day.

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Several years ago, my husband was having severe back problems. He wasn’t able to work much and money was extremely low. With two children to care for, we could have asked for help, but we didn’t. I even remember my son asking one day, “Mommy, what are we going to eat today?” One particular time, my sister came to visit. I hadn’t mentioned we were in need. To the best of my remembrance, I had taken our baby daughter in another room to change her diaper. My sister, for some reason, looked in my kitchen cabinets. Mind you, she isn’t the type to snoop around in other people’s homes. Later, my family came bearing bags and bags of groceries. You may think this was just a coincidence, but I know in my heart God used my sister in our time of need. I am so thankful for a loving God who can do abundantly above all we can ask or think.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those in leadership positions at the FWB national offices. They face hard decisions.